Hooked On Slots

by Myron
(Reno, NV)

Spooky -- A tight squeeze

That's SLOTS as in slot canyons and not slot machines...:)

In my opinion, the best thing about Utah is slot canyon hiking. Utah has the biggest concentration of slot canyons anywhere in the world so no small wonder that it attracts adventure hikers from Europe, Australia and even Asia. I didn't even know Asians were big hikers until I ran into a busload a couple years ago at Calf Creek Falls.

To date, I've hiked 19 slots in Utah and, although it's hard to choose a favorite, I'd have to say mine is definitely the Peek-a-boo and Spooky combination. It's in Escalante National Monument,(no surprise there) off Hole In The Rock Road. The road can be a little rough but it's worth it.

I confess one of the reasons I might like it so much is because Spooky's walls are so tight that only smaller people attempt it. Not short people necessarily, but small. In other words, if you're like over 200 lbs or something, don't embarrass yourself by going. But it's perfect for me (and, come to think of it, probably most of those Asians I met). I'm a little guy by most standards and it's just nice to occasionally find a place where small has big advantages....

Peek-a-boo is a little wider and has more interesting arches and holes to crawl through (and play peek-a-boo, I guess) so kids and photographers love it.

By the way, flash floods can make slot canyon hiking very dangerous. Check all local weather reports and don't go if there's any chance of rain anywhere in the area.

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